Is Hard Water Dangerous To Drink?

Millions rely on hard water to drink, shower, perform household duties, and other tasks. Hard water contains high concentrations of dissolved minerals but is not known to be dangerous to your health. Dissolved minerals are said to be beneficial for those consuming hard water but can still negatively affect your plumbing and fixtures. Here, North Florida Water Systems Inc discusses hard water's health and physical effects and the benefits of installing a water-softening system for your home.

For comprehensive water well repair and maintenance services, contact our experienced water well company today to schedule an appointment!

Health Effects Of Hard Water

Water characterized as “hard” has high amounts of dissolved minerals, such as calcium and magnesium—two of the most common minerals making water hard. As natural water moves through soil and rock, it dissolves tiny amounts of minerals, holding them in solution. The level of hardness increases as the concentration of calcium and magnesium increases in the water.

Because hard water contains essential minerals and may taste better to some, it can be the preferred drinking water for some individuals. Calcium and magnesium play important roles in supporting healthy heart function, digestion, regulation of blood sugar, and other natural bodily processes. Yet, despite the fact that hard water is considered ok to drink, it can wreak havoc on different aspects of your home and maintenance tasks.

Physical Effects Of Hard Water

Hard water cannot be identified by smell or taste. Most household water supplies, or those accessed by well pumps, contain hard water. Florida homeowners know hard water is the most common problem with water. Despite the fact it can be safe to drink, having hard water in your home can result in different issues, creating a nuisance due to mineral buildup in pipes and plumbing fixtures as well as poor detergent and cleaning performance. Hard water interferes with nearly every cleaning and tidying process, from laundering clothes and washing dishes to bathing and personal hygiene.

The amount of hard minerals in your water affects how much detergent and soap are necessary to properly clean. When used with hard water, soap combines with the minerals, forming a tacky soap curd, which can build up on the skin and in appliances. Soap curds can deposit and accumulate on dishes, bathtubs, showers, and all your water and plumbing fixtures. When heated, hard water can form a scale of calcium and magnesium, resulting in the inefficient operation or failure of water-using appliances. What’s more, pipes can become clogged with a scale that reduces the flow of water and ultimately requires pipe replacements.

Benefits Of Water Softening

Hard water is the primary source of most plumbing issues and problems, yet many homeowners may be unaware of this problem. If you have hard water in your home and want to remediate the negative effects of hard water, North Florida Water Systems Inc can promptly install a water softener for your home. There are numerous benefits of water softening, such as cleaner laundry, longer-lasting appliances, and minimized presence of sticky soap and scale build-up.

You can save on water and cleaners by using less laundry detergent and achieving proper cleaning. Additionally, your plumbing will be healthier, as soft water significantly reduces clogged pipes, seized vales, and plugged showerheads and aerators associated with hard water. To learn more about how water softening from our water well company can benefit your household, contact us today!